Firearm Sighting System

ABSTRACT

A sighting system includes a laser that is used for sighting a firearm. In one embodiment, the laser may be attached to the slide of a handgun between the receiver and a rearward portion of the handgun. An optical front sight may be provided adjacent the muzzle, and an optical rear sight may also be provided adjacent the laser, thereby allowing the firearm to be sighted using the front and rear sights and/or the laser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a sighting system for firearms, and more particularly, to a sighting system for use on handguns, rifles, shotguns, and the like.

Sighting of firearms may be performed in various ways. Front and rear optical, or, open, sights are typically found on firearms to aid in sighting and aiming firearms. Scopes can also be used for sighting purposes.

More recently, illumination sighting systems such as flashlight and laser sighting systems have been developed, but these systems can be disadvantageous in certain law enforcement and military applications, as such systems can indicate the location of the law enforcement and military personnel. Another disadvantage of such illumination sighting systems is their potential for reduced effectiveness in daylight or other well-lit environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sighting system is provided for a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, a rearward portion, a slide extending to the rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion. The sighting system includes a laser that is used for sighting the firearm, the laser being attached to the slide between the receiver and the rearward portion.

In one embodiment of the invention, an optical front sight is provided adjacent the muzzle, and a rear sight is provided adjacent the laser, thereby allowing the firearm to be sighted using the front and rear sights and/or the laser.

The present invention also methods relating to a firearm sighting system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying specification and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from the rear, of a firearm sighting system constructed in accordance with the present invention and mounted on a handgun;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, from the front, of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a handgun;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, from the rear, of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 1 detached from a firearm;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, from the front, of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an inverted exploded view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevational view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10A is a sectional view taken along lines 10A-10A of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an internal portion of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the firearm sighting system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12A is a sectional view taken along lines 12A-12A of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 12 B is a sectional view taken along lines 12B-12B of FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The foregoing, as well as other objects of the present invention, will be further apparent from the following detailed description of one preferred embodiment of the invention, when taken together with the accompanying drawings and the description which follows. However, it is contemplated that persons generally familiar with firearms, sights and/or sighting systems will be able to apply the novel characteristics of the structures illustrated and described herein in other contexts by modification of certain details. Accordingly, the drawings and description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of this invention, but are to be understood as broad and general teachings.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements or features throughout the various views, the firearm sighting system of the present invention is indicated generally in the figures by reference character 10.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, firearm sighting system 10 is shown attached to a firearm, and in particular, to a handgun, generally H. Handgun H includes a barrel, generally B, and receiver, generally R, for receiving a cartridge and/or a projectile, such as a bullet, (not shown), a trigger, generally T, for activating a firing device or mechanism (not shown), a trigger guard TG, a muzzle opening, or “muzzle,” generally M, a grip, generally G, and an accessory rail, generally A. Handgun H also includes a slide, generally S, which has an upper surface, generally U. It is to be understood that as used herein, the term “receiver” refers to that portion of a firearm which receives a projectile, such as a bullet, shot, etc., which is fired or otherwise expelled from the muzzle of a firearm or other projectile firing device. The term, “firearm,” as used herein also includes such projectile firing devices. For example, the receiver of a semi-automatic pistol or rifle would be that portion of the firearm that receives a cartridge and/or projectile to be fired. In a revolver-type firearm, the cylinder which holds the cartridges and/or projectile would be considered the receiver.

In one application, firearm sighting system, or “system,” 10 may be attached to slide S of handgun H through use of a clamping arrangement, or “clamp”, generally 12, which is discussed in more detail below. Clamp 12 may be adaptable for attachment to the slide S of a variety of different firearms and is not limited to the exact configuration shown in the drawings, since clamp 12 may need to be modified as necessary to accommodate a particular slide of a particular firearm. System 14 may replace or be used in addition to a conventional rear sight of a firearm. In certain applications, an existing rear sight on a firearm could be removed and system 10 installed in its place. System 10 could also be integrated into the firearm during manufacturing of the firearm. Also, system 10 could be attached to and/or integrated with a firearm other than handgun H (which is an automatic or semi-automatic pistol), including, but not limited to, as a revolver, rifle, shotgun, etc.

System 10 includes a sighting device, generally 14, which is attached to clamp 12 and which includes a laser device, generally 16, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Clamp 12 may be attached to slide S rearwardly of receiver R. Sighting device 14 includes an aperture, generally 18, through which a laser beam 20 is emitted during operation of sighting device 14. Laser device 16 could be of a variety of configurations and manufacture, with one such laser device being a diode laser, having a model designation of CAT LASER OS LINE and being available from LASER CAT SRL, street: República Argentina 386, postal code 5152, city: Villa Carlos Paz, province: Cordoba, country: República Argentina.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, laser beam. or “beam,” 20 may pass from aperture 18 above upper surface U of slide S, in a generally parallel relationship with upper surface U, and through an opening, or aperture, 22 in a front sight, generally 24 mounted on upper surface US of slide S. Front, or muzzle, sight 24 is an optical, or “open”, sight and can be used in sighting handgun H with or without use of laser beam 20, when used in conjunction with rear sight, generally 26. Rear sight 26, similarly as front sight 24 is an optical, or open, sight, and can be used by the shooter of handgun 8 with the naked eye. If sighting device 14 is to be used with laser device 16 and laser beam 20 activated, it may not be necessary for the shooter to rely on sights 24 and 26, and the shooter may choose to instead rely on the sighting dot produced on the surface of the target by the impact of laser beam 20 thereon. In applications where beam 20 is not to be used, such as may be the case in daylight shooting situations (where the image of the sighting dot of beam 20 on the target is not readily visible), covert operations where the location of the shooter (as may be revealed by the generation of beam 20) is to be concealed, or when sighting device is inoperable, etc., handgun H can still be used effectively by the shooter relying on front sight 24 and rear sight 26 for sighting and aiming handgun H.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate sighting device 14 as it appears when detached from a firearm. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the upper portions of sighting device 14. For calibrating sighting device 14, elevation and windage adjustments are provided. Elevation adjustment of sighting device 14 is performed using an adjustment bolt, or screw, generally 28, which, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, when turned clockwise raises beam 20 upwardly, and when turned counterclockwise, lowers both beam 20 and rear sight 26.

Rear sight 26 includes two ridges, generally 30, spaced apart from one another with a depressed area, or “valley”, generally 32, between ridges 30. When using rear sight 26 in conjunction with front sight 24, typically the upper portion of front sight 24 is positioned, when viewed from the rear of handgun H, between ridges 30 of rear sight 26 and in alignment with valley 32. An additional sighting aide may be provided on the upper portion of sighting device 14 in the form of a central ridge 34 positioned rearwardly of rear sight 26. This ridge 34 can also be used to assist in sighting handgun H through the simultaneous alignment of ridge 34 with rear sight 26.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate sighting device 14 and clamp 12 from the underside thereof. Clamp 12 is also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a left base support 38 and a right base support 40 which cooperate with one another to engage a slide S or other portion of a firearm in a secure manner. Left base support 38 engages the left side of slide S, and right base support 40 engages the right side of slide S, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A clamping fastener, such as a bolt or screw 42 is received in a passage 44 of left base support 32 and is threadingly received in a bore (not shown) in right base support 40, such that upon rotation of screw 42, left base support 38 and right base support move towards one another. Lateral engagement portions, generally 48, engage the sides of slide S or other portion of a firearm in order to secure clamp 12 to the firearm.

Right base support 40 includes a threaded boss 50 which receives the end of elevation adjustment screw 28 when sighting device 14 is assembled. Right base support 38 and left base support 40 include receptacles 52, 54, respectively, for receipt of pivot stubs 56, 58, respectively, of sighting device 14. Pivot stubs 56, 58 are formed when upper frame, or housing, portion 60 and lower frame, or housing, portion 62, are joined together. Pivot stubs 56, 58 are received in receptacles 52, 54, respectively, and allow sighting device 14 to pivot with respect to clamp 12 upon adjustment of elevation screw 28. Sighting device 14 is attached to clamp, or bracket, arrangement 12 through the tightening of clamping screw 42 and through the engagement of pivot stubs 56, 58 with receptacles 52, 54.

Upper and lower housing portions 60, 62 are connected to one another by screws 64, 66, which pass through openings 68, 70 in lower housing portion 62 and into threaded bosses 72, 74, respectively, in upper housing portion 62. When assembled, upper and lower housing portions 60, 62 define a compartment, generally 76, therebetween. Received in compartment 76 is a circuit or control board, generally 78, which carries laser device 16 and battery 80. Battery 80 engages electrical contacts 82, 84, which, in cooperation with wire 86 and other electrical connections (not shown) provide power to laser device 16, under the control of a microprocessor, generally 88, provided on board 78. A user actuated switch 90 is provided which is accessible from the rear of sighting device 14 to allow the user, or shooter, to selectively activate laser device 16, which in turn, generates laser beam 20. Laser beam 20 can be emitted as a steady state beam, or could be programmed using microprocessor 88 to generate intermittent, periodic, random, patterned, etc. emissions of beam 20, as desired. Selection of such beam type or pattern can be programmed and/or accomplished by the number of times switch 90 is pressed, or through another control (not shown).

Battery 80 is carried within a battery tray, or drawer, generally 92, which has a slot 94 for allowing engagement of contact 84 with one of the poles of battery 80. Battery drawer 92 is slidably received within a opening 96 provided in upper housing portion 60 and includes at least one resilient ear 98 which provides for a snap-fit engagement between battery drawer 92 and a surface bordering opening 96, to securely retain battery drawer 92 within sighting device 14. To remove battery drawer 92, a resilient ear 98 is depressed by the user while simultaneously pointing outwardly on battery drawer 92.

Sighting device 14 includes a provision for windage and elevation adjustment. As discussed above, elevation screw 28 extends downwardly through sighting device 14, and in particular, through upper and lower housing portions 60, 62 and into threading engagement with threaded boss 50. A spring, such as a coil spring, 100 is interposed between boss 50 and the underside of lower housing portion 62 to bias the rear portion of sighting device 14 upwardly and serves to maintain screw 28 in a tension relationship in order to reduce movement of aperture 18 and laser beam 20, and the likelihood of screw 32 turning inadvertently. Adjustment of the elevation of sighting device 14 simultaneously adjusts the elevation of aperture 18, and accordingly, the laser beam 20 which is emitted therefrom.

Rear sight 26 may also be adjusted for windage, and includes a downwardly extending block arrangement, generally 102, which is received in a receptacle 104 in upper housing portion 60. Lateral movement is permitted for block 102 within receptacle 104, under the influence and control of a rear sight adjustment screw 106. Screw 106 is received within cavity 108 and threadingly engages with a threaded bore 110 within block 102. A spring, such as a coil spring, 112 may be interposed between block 102 and the left end (as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10A) to maintain screw 106 in tension, to thereby facilitate the holding of the windage adjustment once set. Rear sight 26 is adjusted to the left or to the right by rotation of screw 106.

Laser device 16 can likewise be adjusted for windage. A screw 114 is received within a cavity 116, and, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 11, bears against a barrel portion 118 of laser device 16 such that barrel portion 118, from which laser beam 20 is emitted, may be moved slightly side to side for windage adjustments. A spring, such as a coil spring, 120 contacts the opposite side of barrel 118, and works against the force applied by screw 114 in order to maintain windage adjustment of barrel 118 once such windage adjustment has been made.

An O-ring 124 is received in corresponding semi-circular receptacles 126 and 128 defined in upper and lower housing portion 60, 62, respectively, to keep moisture, dirt, dust, and debris from entering into compartment 76.

System 10 may allow for the distance between muzzle M and beam 20 to be reduced as compared to other laser sighting designs. This may serve to reduce the difference between the laser sighting dot (not shown) on a target created by beam 20 and the longitudinal centerline of barrel B, potentially thereby enhancing precision of sighting a firearm.

As discussed above, system 10 may be mounted on slide S, or some other upper portion of a firearm, and does not require use on an accessory rail A. This allows accessory rail A to be used for other purposes, such as for mounting a flashlight, a range finder, a thermal imaging device (none shown), etc. The mounting location of system 10 may also facilitate receipt of a firearm, such as a handgun, within a conventional holster, due to the profile presented by a handgun having system 10 mounted thereon.

Furthermore, placement of laser device 16, which, may be a diode laser, at a location as disclosed herein, away from muzzle M may also reduce the accumulation of gun powder and other combustion by products on laser device 16, thereby maintaining laser device cleaner during use.

Battery drawer 92 is configured to allow battery 80 to be removed and/or replaced without detaching or demounting sighting device 14 from a firearm. Although sighting device 14 has been shown in use in connection with handgun H, which, as shown in the drawings, is a semi-automatic pistol, nothing herein shall be construed to limit system 10 from being used only on a semi-automatic pistol. System 10 could also find use on a variety of firearms, such as pistols, rifles, shotguns, paintball guns, air soft guns, archery devices, military and law enforcement weapons and projectile devices, etc.

While various preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitution of equivalent features or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. 

1. A sighting system for a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, a rearward portion, a slide extending to the rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the sighting system comprising: a laser that is used for sighting the firearm; and said laser being attached to the slide between the receiver and the rearward portion.
 2. The sighting system as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a first sight adjacent the muzzle, said first sight defining an aperture; and said laser being configured to emit a laser beam that passes through said aperture during sighting of the firearm.
 3. The sighting system as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a first sight on the front portion of the firearm; a second sight that is aligned with said first sight for sighting the firearm; said second sight being adjacent said laser; and said laser emitting a beam that is aligned with said first sight for sighting the firearm.
 4. A sighting system for a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, a rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the sighting system comprising: a laser that is used for sighting the firearm and that is attached to the firearm between the receiver and the rearward portion.
 5. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: said laser being attached to the firearm at a height above the height of the muzzle.
 6. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a first sight on the front portion of the firearm; and said laser being aligned with said first sight for sighting the firearm.
 7. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a first sight adjacent the muzzle; a second sight that is aligned with said first sight for sighting the firearm; said second sight being adjacent said laser; and said laser being aligned with said first sight for sighting the firearm.
 8. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a battery that powers said laser; a slidable tray that holds said battery; and said slidable tray being configured to allow installation of said battery without removing said laser from said firearm.
 9. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a first sight adjacent the muzzle; said first sight defining an aperture; and said laser being configured to generate a beam that passes through said aperture when said laser is used to sight the firearm.
 10. The sighting system as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a first sight adjacent the muzzle; a second sight that is used in conjunction with said first sight for sighting the firearm; said second sight being adjacent said laser; a first windage adjuster that adjusts the windage of said second sight; a second windage adjuster that adjusts the windage of said laser; an elevation adjuster that adjusts the elevation of said laser; and said laser emitting a laser beam alignable with said first sight for sighting the firearm.
 11. A sighting system for a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, a rearward portion, a slide extending to the rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the sighting system comprising: a laser that is used for sighting the firearm; said laser being attached to the slide between the receiver and the rearward portion; a first sight adjacent the muzzle; a second sight that is alignable with said first sight for sighting the firearm; said second sight being attached to the slide adjacent said laser; a first windage adjuster that adjusts the windage of said second sight; a second windage adjuster that adjusts the windage of said laser; an elevation adjuster that adjusts the elevation of said laser; and said laser being configure to emit a beam that is alignable with said first sight for sighting the firearm.
 12. A method of providing a laser sight for a firearm having a front sight, a rear sight, and a receiver interposed between the front sight and the rear sight, the method comprising: replacing the rear sight with a laser; and aligning a laser beam of said laser with the front sight.
 13. A method of sighting a target with a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the method comprising: providing a laser attached to the firearm between the receiver and said rearward portion; providing adjacent the muzzle a first sight defining an aperture; providing a second sight adjacent said laser; and substantially simultaneously aligning said aperture of said muzzle sight and said rear sight with the target.
 14. A method of sighting a target with a firearm having a front portion with a muzzle, rearward portion, a slide extending to the rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the method comprising: providing a laser attached to the slide between the receiver and said rearward portion; providing adjacent the muzzle a first sight defining an aperture; providing a second sight adjacent said laser; and substantially simultaneously directing said laser through said aperture and at the target.
 15. A sighting system for a projectile firing device having a front portion with a muzzle, a rearward portion, and a receiver interposed between the muzzle and the rearward portion, the sighting system comprising: a laser that is used for sighting the projectile firing device; and said laser being configured to be attached to the projectile firing device between the receiver and the rearward portion.
 16. A firearm, comprising: a barrel; a firing device that causes the projectile to be expelled from said barrel; said barrel including a receiver that receives the projectile and a forward portion having a muzzle from which the projectile is expelled; a trigger that activates said firing device; and a laser that is rearward of said receiver and that is used for sighting the firearm. 